Andrew Garfield Recalls 'Terrifying' Early Career Encounters with Robert Redford

Andrew Garfield has shared his experience of working with the late Hollywood icon Robert Redford, recalling a period early in his career when he felt both intimidated and frustrated by the legendary actor and director.

Garfield, speaking on the podcast Good Hang with Amy Poehler, described his feelings while filming the 2007 political drama "Lions for Lambs." At 23, it was Garfield's cinematic debut, and he was tasked with acting alongside and taking direction from Redford.

"I'm terrified and nervous and pinching myself," Garfield recalled of his initial feelings. However, his anxiety soon turned to frustration when Redford, who also directed, arrived on set four hours late.

"Then Bob is four hours late, and it's just like by that time I'm just pissed. I'm just angry," Garfield told Poehler. The film also featured prominent actors such as Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep.

Despite the initial nerves and Redford's notorious lateness, Garfield ultimately found the experience to be a positive one. He credited Redford with making him feel like an equal on set, despite the significant power imbalance and Garfield's inexperience.

"He made me feel like it was my set and made me feel like I was an equal and like he knew it was my first movie," Garfield said. "He was so nice. He was so beautiful."

Garfield noted that Redford, who passed away in September 2025 at the age of 89, maintained a relaxed demeanor, often arriving in casual attire and seemingly unfazed by his tardiness. "He wasn't aware that he was late. He was just like on his own Redford time," Garfield commented.

Redford's collaborative spirit extended to his directorial process, as he would often ask Garfield for his input after filming a take. "He would shoot himself, and then he would look at me after his first take, and he'd be like, 'What do you think?'" Garfield recounted. "And I was like, 'It's great. Really good, Robert Redford.'"

Garfield, whose storyline as student Todd Hayes was intertwined with Redford's Professor Stephen Malley in the film, mentioned that this collaboration made the experience particularly fulfilling.

Prior to "Lions for Lambs," Garfield, who has since starred in major films like "The Social Network" and the Spider-Man franchise, was primarily working in theater. He admitted to being unsure if his career would transition successfully to film.

He also reflected on his experience working with director David Fincher on "The Social Network," noting his appreciation for Fincher's method of shooting numerous takes for each scene.

"I love it - f***ing love it," Garfield said of the intensive filming process. "Cause I love acting, and I love hard work, and I love sports, and I love not going home with anything left to give. There's nothing worse, as you know, than going home going, 'I could have done that better.' It sucks to feel it."